Hydro Heroes

Hydro Heroes Program There is a limited amount of fresh water available on the planet that we all must share. Students explore the water cycle and discover ways to conserve water at home.

Students will:- Describe how much water is available on Earth for us to drink and use, and where it is located - Label the 3 major stages of the water cycle - Identify at least 2 ways water is wasted in their home - Plan 2 ways they will conserve water at home

Pre/Post Visit Activities1) Have children draw the water cycle. (click to see water cycle image) They will show rain/snow (precipitation), clouds (condensation), lakes, streams ocean (places for accumulation). All of these places are where water is found and that is all the water we have or will ever have! Draw a picture that shows people how they waste water, contaminate water, or how to save water.

2) In the classroom sink, place a pan and let the faucet drip slowly for an hour, then have a student use a measuring cup to measure the water in the pan. How much water was wasted? Can be varied by letting it drip for a longer/shorter period of time. Ask the students how people waste water in their homes and neighborhoods. (Over watering lawns and plants, washing their car or sidewalk with the hose, long showers, brushing their teeth with the water running)

3) Place a couple of ice cubes in a jar. Put the jar by a warm window. Let it sit there for a week. Discuss what happens to the ice cubes over time. The water changes form from solid, to liquid to gas. Discuss what causes the changes. Where did the water go? How can you tell the water was a gas?

4) What did you learn about water? Have children write a creative story about water. "You are a drop of water that comes down in a storm". What happens to you? Do you go to the sea? are you in someone’s shower? do you go to a farm or an orchard? Tell your life story.